These Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers are a fun twist on your regular burgers! The honey gives a sweet kick, and the jalapeños add just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
And let’s not forget that creamy avocado sauce—it’s like a party for your taste buds! I love pairing these burgers with some crunchy veggies for a tasty and colorful meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the base of the burgers. You could swap it with ground chicken or lean beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try black bean or chickpea patties!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps caramelize the patties. If you’re avoiding sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup works well. You could also use a sugar-free honey substitute.
Jalapeño Pepper: Fresh jalapeño brings heat. For less spice, use bell pepper or mild chili pepper instead. Dried red pepper flakes are another option for a different flavor.
Cilantro: It adds freshness. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can provide a nice alternative.
Avocado: The creamy avocado sauce brings richness. If you need a quick substitute, try store-bought guacamole or Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Turkey Burgers Stay Juicy?
Keeping turkey burgers juicy can be tricky, as they tend to dry out easily. Here are some tips to help you achieve juicy patties:
- Don’t overmix: When mixing the ingredients, handle the turkey gently to keep the texture light.
- Chill the patties: Refrigerating the shaped patties for 15-20 minutes helps them hold together better while cooking.
- Cook properly: Use medium-high heat and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can dry them out.
- Rest the burgers: After cooking, let them sit for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute before assembling.
Enjoy crafting your delicious turkey burgers with these helpful tips!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1½ pounds ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)
For the Toppings and Assembly:
- 6 soft burger buns, toasted
- Fresh corn kernels (about ½ cup, roasted or fresh)
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro sprigs
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 12-15 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for a quick and tasty meal. Just a little cooling time for the patties, and you’re ready to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, honey, chopped jalapeño, red onion, minced garlic, finely chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Form the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.
3. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
While the patties are chilling, scoop the avocado into a blender or food processor. Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water a tablespoon at a time if you want a thinner consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. Cook the Turkey Burgers:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the fridge-chilled patties to the hot pan, cooking for about 5-6 minutes per side, until they are cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a nicely browned crust.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on a grill or in a pan until golden brown. This adds a nice texture and flavor.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of the creamy avocado sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cooked turkey patty on top, then add your desired toppings: corn kernels, sliced jalapeños, extra red onion, and fresh cilantro. Top with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Serve the burgers immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top—adding a fresh zing to every bite!
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers paired with that luscious creamy avocado sauce! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as chicken can vary slightly in cooking time compared to turkey.
How Spicy Are These Burgers?
The level of spiciness depends on how much of the jalapeño you use and whether you keep the seeds. For milder burgers, use only a small amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds before chopping.
Can I Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the avocado sauce up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To prevent browning, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before sealing it.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Enjoy them on their own or in a wrap!
